The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was raped, tortured, and murdered expressed a poignant message to the perpetrator responsible for her daughter’s death.
Dahbia Benkired, 27, has made history in France by receiving a life sentence for the brutal murder of Lola Daviet. The young girl’s lifeless body was discovered in the entrance of her apartment building in Paris in 2022. Benkired abducted Lola, subjected her to sexual assault, and then fatally wounded her by cutting her throat with a box cutter and scissors. Lola’s devastated mother addressed Benkired as a “monster” and conveyed a strong message during the trial.
Delphine Daviet, Lola’s mother, provided a heartfelt testimony in court after witnessing distressing images of her daughter’s tortured body and reviewing the coroner’s report. She fondly remembered Lola as a cheerful and caring individual with a resilient personality. Delphine described their family as close-knit and attentive to one another.
Recounting the tragic events of the day that altered their lives forever, Delphine recalled bidding Lola goodbye as she left for school. Later that evening on October 14, 2022, the family was preparing for a weekend trip to Pas-de-Calais but grew concerned when Lola failed to return home.
Benkired encountered Lola outside her apartment building, prompting Delphine to question why her daughter followed the assailant, whom she referred to as a “monster.” Delphine emphasized the importance of caution and self-defense to her children, regretting her inability to protect Lola.
The family contacted the authorities, who later informed them of the discovery of Lola’s tortured body in a plastic container in the courtyard of their residence in northeastern Paris. Benkired, an Algerian immigrant with an expired student visa, had restrained Lola’s mouth, leading to her asphyxiation.
This heinous crime has incited public outrage in France, resulting in protests outside the courthouse. The Attorney General denounced Benkired for preying on the victim for personal gratification.
During the sentencing, Delphine expressed satisfaction in the delivery of justice, affirming that they had honored Lola’s memory and upheld the truth.
The judge characterized Benkired’s actions as “genuine torture,” acknowledging the profound psychological trauma inflicted on the victim and her family. The court’s decision reflected the extreme gravity of the crime.
In the aftermath of the trial, Delphine reiterated their belief in the justice system, while Lola’s brother emphasized the restoration of her memory and truth.